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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/israel-should-back-the-lebanon-deal-without-illusions/
The U.S.-Backed Framework Agreement for Lebanon Isolates Hizbullah
(Israel Hayom) Amb. Freddy Eytan - Israel cannot afford a war of attrition in southern Lebanon without any diplomatic solution in sight. Therefore, the framework agreement signed with strong U.S. support isolates Hizbullah and allows for an IDF presence in a temporary security zone along the entire border. Unlike the declaration of intent signed with Iran without Israel's participation, this new agreement is a significant step toward a peace process with our northern neighbor. Lebanon now officially recognizes the existence of the Jewish state within secure borders, aspires to peace, and desires normal bilateral relations. However, how can we guarantee that Hizbullah will not plunge the Lebanese people into civil war? Hasn't the Shiite militia already violated previous UN resolutions, including Resolution 1701 signed in 2006 after the Second Lebanon War? To ensure the safety of Israeli citizens along the border and guarantee the agreement, the Lebanese government will need to obtain all necessary resources from the U.S., as well as strong support from Arab countries, European countries, and France. Israel's goal was to expel Hizbullah and Iran from Lebanon. Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon, and sooner or later the IDF forces will withdraw. However, we are currently in a position of strength, and the time is ripe to dictate the course of action and guarantee stability in the north for many years to come. The key is to seize every opportunity and leverage and intervene swiftly in the event of a violation. This framework agreement is not perfect and is complicated to implement under current conditions, but it is clear and coherent. Without indulging in illusions, and with nerves of steel and an iron will, we could accomplish this noble mission for peace. The writer, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, is a former Foreign Ministry senior adviser who was Israel's first ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.